David Moyes was full of praise for the 'excellent' Marouane Fellaini and his hard-working defence after Everton beat Manchester United 1-0.
Manager pleased to make strong start with Toffees
Everton manager David Moyes was full of praise for the 'excellent' Marouane Fellaini and his hard-working defence after his side beat Manchester United 1-0 in their season opener.
Fellaini, played just behind Nikica Jelavic as part of Moyes' 4-4-1-1 formation, scored a 57th-minute winner for the Toffees at Goodison Park to cap a superb individual display which saw him named man of the match.
Moyes was pleased with the Belgium international and also hailed the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, who defended valiantly to keep United at bay in the late stages.
Capable
The manager told
Sky Sports: "(Fellaini) was excellent tonight but we know he's capable of that.
"He can play in that position, he can play in the centre of the park. He's a really talented footballer.
"It was hard for them. Manchester United, you have to remember, were without some central defenders tonight. But I did think Fellaini caused them problems."
He added: "Manchester United are a big threat. If you lose concentration for a minute or turn off, they're liable to punish you.
"But I thought we defended really well when we had to tonight, and I think we caused them some problems when we had the ball.
"I thought Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, all the defenders, did a great job in making sure we didn't concede a goal."
Moyes is pleased Everton will get some deserved recognition for their win, with the build-up to the game having been dominated by Manchester United's capture of Robin van Persie from Arsenal.
"We weren't making any headlines before this game tonight, that's for sure," said the manager.
"It was all about Manchester United, and rightly so, but you mustn't forget Everton aren't a bad side as well. Our defence did do really well tonight."
The Toffees have traditionally been slow starters in recent seasons and Moyes is keen for his side to push on after a solid opening.
Good start
He added: "It was a great result for us, great for the crowd. Goodison was at its best tonight.
"It's a good start, but it's only a start. That's why you don't get carried away.
"It's not very often you beat Manchester United so I'll enjoy it, the players will enjoy it but we'll move on quite quickly."
